Texas Standard

Join Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Maren Morris, hailing from Arlington, Texas, as she discusses her latest album, Dreamsicle, and her journey from rejection to stardom. With reporter Alexandra Hart, they delve into the challenges faced by communities post-flood and the ongoing healthcare struggles in Texas. Maren shares personal anecdotes about her rise in the music industry and sheds light on the emotional depth of her work, emphasizing themes of hope and resilience that resonate deeply in her music.

Dean Spears, an economic demographer and co-author of 'After the Spike,' discusses alarming trends in population decline and its implications for Texas's future. Alexandra Hart, a Texas Newsroom reporter, examines who the most effective lawmakers are heading into a special session. Meanwhile, filmmaker Ari Aster shares insights about his new Western set against a backdrop of pandemic and protest, exploring authenticity and local culture. They all tackle pressing issues like flood management and the evolving legislative landscape, making for a thought-provoking discussion.

Robert Earl Keen, a beloved Texas musician known for his storytelling in song, joins the conversation to discuss his upcoming benefit concert for flood recovery in the Hill Country. He shares insights on the community's resilience and the collaborative spirit driving recovery efforts. The podcast also tackles the conspiracy theories surrounding cloud seeding and the surge of scams exploiting victims after the floods. Keen emphasizes the urgency of supporting locals affected by the disaster and the star-studded lineup for the concert.

Arnie Segovia, known as Arnie Tex, is a champion pit master and YouTube star who shares insights on culinary traditions and resilience amid natural disasters. The discussion dives into what a '1,000-year flood' truly represents, emphasizing the increased frequency of extreme weather events and the impact of climate change. The podcast also highlights the collaborative efforts of first responders from Mexico during floods and the emotional narratives of community recovery. Plus, Arnie shares delightful tidbits from his new cookbook, blending Mexican-American recipes with BBQ culture.

Drew Fitzgerald, a Telecom reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the challenges currently facing the trucking industry at the Texas-Mexico border. He discusses the new English-language requirements imposed on commercial drivers, highlighting how these regulations are impacting Mexican truckers. Fitzgerald also examines systemic failures in disaster alert systems, questioning their effectiveness in the wake of severe flooding and the broader implications for public safety and community resilience.

Lucio Vasquez, a dedicated reporter for the Texas Newsroom, shares insights following the devastating Hill Country floods in Kerrville. He discusses the ongoing search for the missing and the community's emotional response. A pediatric psychologist joins to give tips on how to talk to children about grief and trauma, emphasizing the need for open dialogues. The conversation also touches on political responses to the disaster and the importance of improving flood preparedness in Texas.

In this discussion, Lizzie Presser, a ProPublica reporter focused on Texas abortion policy, joins grief counselor Jillian Rodriguez and Professor Andrew Fieldhouse to navigate the emotional fallout of the recent Hill Country floods. They touch on the delayed emergency alerts that left communities vulnerable and explore the myriad of emotions faced by survivors, including grief and survivor's guilt. Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of community support and mental health resources, while Presser highlights the intersection of this tragedy with ongoing healthcare challenges exacerbated by Texas's abortion ban.

Judy Dale, a dedicated Guadalupe River regular, shares her gripping survival story amidst the recent devastating floods. She recounts the panic and chaos her family faced during the crisis and pays tribute to the hero who helped save them. The conversation dives into pressing issues like the need for improved emergency communication and flood management strategies in Texas. Reflecting on both past and present disasters, Judy highlights the resilience of her community as they navigate through recovery and support each other in the wake of tragedy.

In Kerr County, local officials say they have all the resources, equipment, food and personnel they need, but with constantly changing numbers of people still missing, search and rescue teams continue to slog thru the debris of what is almost certain to go down as one of the deadliest natural disasters in state history. The Texas Newsroom’s Paul Flahive reports on the deep cultural imprint of Camp Mystic, a 99-year-old Christian girls camp that sits along the banks of the Guadalupe River – directly in the path of deadly flooding. Contaminated water, mosquito-borne illnesses, and piles of debris are raising new concerns in flood-affected areas. Also: How to save precious items damaged by floodwater. Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post Officials in Kerrville begin to assess damage as floodwaters recede appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Rescue and recovery efforts continue following devastating Guadalupe River flooding that has killed at least 75 people. More than two dozen campers and counselors died at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp, and 10 campers remain missing. Flash flood warnings are in effect for many parts of Texas, and officials fear that the waterlogged soil may lead to more intense flash flooding ahead. To the east, closer to Austin, rescue teams are trying to locate untold numbers of missing residents who received little warning as floodwaters ravaged communities on Saturday. What happened, what could have prevented the tragedy, and where do we go from here? Texas Standard is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can support this podcast at supportthispodcast.org The post The latest on catastrophic flooding in the Hill Country appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.